Big East… Time to Separate the Men from Boys
I always get a good laugh whenever I hear any college hoops analyst or fair-weather fan say the Big East is "down" this season. Yes, the Big East Conference may not have that team or two who stand out like in years past, however, with the playing field so evenly matched, I anticipate this being one of the most intense, hard fought seasons in Big East history. Who am I kidding, it already is!
Marquette, who was predicted to finish 13th the Big East, was only 3 points away from being 3-0 in conference play after competing top ranked West Virginia and Villanova. Their luck finally prevailed as they were able to slyly get by the Hoyas this past Wednesday. Even though our Hoyas suffered a loss in Milwaukee, you can only sympathize with Marquette fans as they were a play or two away from sitting atop the Big East standings.
Saturday's game diminishes the idea of this being a "down" year and confirms the toughness of Big East action - #12 Georgetown taking on #13 Connecticut. The Hoyas must take advantage of playing in front of a home crowd at the Verizon Center in order to notch another W. Georgetown has won the last 3 matchups against UCONN, including two very memorable outings; the Roy Hibbert game winning 3 and last year's pounce on then, #2, Huskies in Connecticut. Ahh, the memories!
Let's compare this year numbers for both squads. Both teams match up very well with each other.
| UCONN | | GTOWN |
| 11-3 | WL | 11-2 |
| 74.7 | PPG | 70.5 |
| 64.5 | OPP PPG | 57.8 |
| 35.5 | 3 PT % | 37.1 |
Okay, how about personnel match ups. Here are my big three for both UCONN and Georgetown.
| PLAYER | HEIGHT | STATS |
| KEMBA WALKER | 6-1 | Assist leader on team with 6.1 apg (leads Big East) |
| Chris Wright | 6-1 | Assist leader on team with 3.8 apg |
| | |
| JEROME DYSON | 6-4 | Topped the 20 point mark in 8 games |
| Austin Freeman | 6-4 | Topped the 15 point mark in 6 games |
| | |
| STANLEY ROBINSON | 6-9 | Reached double figures in 20 straight contests, dating back to last season |
| Greg Monroe | 6-11 | Leads the team with 9.8 rebounds per game, (4th in Big East) |
For all of those who say this is a down year for the Big East, tell them to reconsider. It is an exciting year to be a Big East fan. Each night teams will battle to the end for a slim margin of victory. Every game is a big game.
GEORGETOWN vs. Connecticut
Tip off: Noon
TV: ESPN
Radio: ESPN 980AM
HOYA SAXA!
Leslie A. Tyburski, MSB 2006
DON'T FORGET! Duke ticket pickup will take place at Verizon Center Will Call Windows 9 and 10 at the arena's main Will Call on F Street (between 6th and 7th Streets NW). You may pick up your tickets before the game from 10:30-11:30 a.m. or in the hour immediately following the game.
